WHICH ONE WOULD YOU PICK?

[KEITH VIERE]

1998 STRATOS 285 PRO ELITE WITH 98 JOHNSON 150 FICHT, OR 1999 JAVELIN 20DC RENEGADE WITH 225 JOHNSON HIGH OUTPUT. WHICH WOULD YOU PICK? ALL FEED BACK INVITED.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: WHICH ONE WOULD YOU PICK?

Which one is faster?? I'm not up to date on the newer motors but I know John/Rude has some problems with the FICHT motors so if the 225 is a carb'd motor thats the one I would pick.....My 2 cents worth...

 

[6MISFITZ]

Re: WHICH ONE WOULD YOU PICK?

Pick the one that has been very well maintained, where pride of ownership shows and what best fits your needs. <br /><br />The guy / lady, who has an owners manual, model brochure, plus an engine / outdrive manual even though the marina does the service and has detailed receipts of his boat since day 1 is probably the owner of the boat you want to buy.<br />Take a ride on the water and check the hull on the trailer if possible too.<br /><br />What ever you decide on, make sure you spend an extra $ 100.00 - 200.00 to have a marine mechanic give it a quick fitness inspection on all systems. This money spent now will pay dividends in the long run. Trust me on this one.<br /><br />Good luck,<br />Mike.

 

[Valv]

Re: WHICH ONE WOULD YOU PICK?

Johnson Fichts 150hp to 175hp from 1998 to 2000 had many problems, including replacement of heads, correct indexing of spark plug, carbon deposits, etc.<br /><br />Since Bombardier doesn't warranty anything below 2000, I would be careful with that motor. I had one I was going to rebuild and keep myself, after I read many posts on this forum (look OB section) I decided to re-sell it.<br />I'd go with 225.